Chinese word

虽然

Pronunciation

Pinyinsuī rán

Meaning

  • conjunctionalthough

Example

虽然他很累，但还在工作。suī rán tā hěn lèi dàn hái zài gōng zuò

Although he is very tired, he is still working.

Illustration for 虽然 (although)

More examples

虽然他很忙，但是他每天都学中文。suī rán tā hěn máng dàn shì tā měi tiān dōu xué zhōng wén

Although he is very busy, he studies Chinese every day.

Core concept

One fact is accepted as a starting point, while another fact still stands against it.

Common phrases

  • 虽然...但是suī rán dàn shì

    although ___, ___

  • 虽然...还是suī rán hái shì

    although ___, still ___

Similar words

但是dàn shì: Introduces a clear fact or opinion that goes against what was just stated.
不过bú guò: Introduces a gentle opposing point or a small addition to what was just said.

Definition in Chinese

作连接词，表示让步关系，承认前项事实却提出与之相反或不受其影响的后项，常用于“虽然……，但/却……”结构。zuò lián jiē cí biǎo shì ràng bù guān xì chéng rèn qián xiàng shì shí què tí chū yǔ zhī xiāng fǎn huò bú shòu qí yíng xiǎng de hòu xiàng cháng yòng yú suī rán dàn què jié gòu

Word origin

虽然 (suīrán, "although") is an old compound of 虽 (suī, "even if") and 然 (rán, "so; like that"), joining a concession to the situation that follows.

Usage tips

  • The contrast can be mild: this word accepts one fact before adding a different fact, so it does not by itself show anger, surprise, or strong disagreement.

Word lists with this word